Fact Sheets

Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) has a range of fact and information sheets on a number of important topics. If you are unable to find information on a specific topic contact the Association.

FAQ Sheets

The Association is creating a range of information sheets that help address Frequently Asked Questions on a number of important topics.

Communication Milestones

There is also an Easy English version of some of the fact sheets on this page. Further information about children and communication difficulties can be found in the Information Sheets contained in the Communication Milestones Kit.

Fact sheets

What is a Speech Pathologist?
What is a Speech Pathologist? (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet). This fact sheet is also available in Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. 
Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency and voice.

Communication impairment in Australia This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Communication impairment in Australia (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Communication involves speaking, hearing, listening, understanding, social skills, reading, writing and using voice.

Stuttering This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Stuttering (read an Easy English of this fact sheet)
Stuttering is a speech disorder that causes interruptions in the rhythm or flow of speech.

Swallowing This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Like breathing, swallowing is a reflex and essential to everyday life. Humans swallow at least 900 times a day: around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute while awake and even more often during meals. We swallow food, liquids, medicine and saliva. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of poor nutrition and dehydration, while babies and children may not take in enough nutrients to support growth and brain development.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any type of communication strategy for people with a range of conditions who have significant difficulties speaking.

Helping Your Baby to Talk This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Helping your baby to talk (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet). This fact sheet is also available in Dari (کمک کردن به طفل خود که گپ بزند).
Language is fundamental to a baby’s development.
See also the Information Sheets in the Communication Milestones Kit.

The Sound of Speech: 0 – 3 years This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
(The ages and stages of children’s speech development)
The Sound of Speech: 0 – 3 years (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Learning to speak is a crucial part of a child’s development and the most intensive period of speech and language development happens in the first three years of life.
See also the Information Sheets in the Communication Milestones Kit.

The Sound of Speech: Preschool and School Aged Children This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
(The ages and stages of children’s speech development)
The Sound of Speech: preschool and school aged children (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Learning to speak is a crucial part of a child’s development and progress made in the preschool and early school years is crucial to mastering the rules of language.
See also the Information Sheets in the Communication Milestones Kit.

Speech Pathology and Indigenous Children This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Speech pathology and Indigenous children (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Speech pathologists working with Indigenous communities play a role in assisting with access to other specialist medical, allied health or educational services.

Raising Bilingual Children This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Most children are able to learn two (or more) languages at the same time without difficulty. The more exposure a child has to each language, the better they will be able to learn the language and communicate.

Speech Pathology in Mental Health This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Speech pathology in mental health services (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Mental health is related to promotion of well-being and prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental health disorders.
Mental Health Infographic This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.

Communication and Swallowing Difficulties following Stroke This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Communication and swallowing difficulties following stroke (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
Sixty percent of people who have had a stroke will develop a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia).

Speech Pathologists Working with Older People This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Speech pathologists working with older people (read an Easy English version of this fact sheet)
As people age their speech, language, memory, voice and swallowing changes naturally.

Autism Spectrum Disorder This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? The term ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD) describes a condition that affects the way a person makes sense of, and interacts with, other people and their environment.

Literacy This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
Learning to read and write is a crucial part of a child’s development. Reading and writing (literacy) are essential skills for adults. Being literate means that people can understand and follow written instructions, find out information online or in books, write letters and emails, and send text messages. It also means that a child or adult is able to participate fully in their education and learning.

Voice This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
The human voice provides the basic sound for speech and singing. It expresses much of the meaning of what we want to say. Our voice tells other people a lot about our emotions, personality and physical and emotional health.

Speech Pathology in Justice This graphic is associated with the hyperlink that precedes it and indicates the document is in PDF.
In this fact sheet, the term ‘justice’ refers to all criminal and civil justice processes. Speech, language and communication needs can negatively impact an individual’s participation at every stage of the justice system.